T minus 51 days until lift off.
Some days I can become so consumed by this thought that I can’t focus on what is going on around me (especially when it comes to homework), but most days this is one of the farthest things from my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I’m stoked out of my mind about the race. However, these last few weeks God has been removing the scales from my eyes to reveal the brokenness around me.
There have been days where I’ve been unbelievably burdened because of the people I meet and the situations I hear.
Broken dreams.
Broken families.
Broken understanding of truth.
Broken hearts.
Broken self-image.
Many of them having no idea what to hope in. That’s what gets me. I yearn so badly that they may know the hope that is Christ! THERE IS HOPE. There is something to trust in that will not fade, but will sustain.
He’s allowed me to suffer with more people in the last month than I have my whole life. It’s been a challenging but yet incredible month. Full of tears and full of laughs. Hearing stories of brokenness and then seeing their eyes open when the name of Jesus is spoken. Hearing questions. Answering questions the best I can. Encouraging them. Loving them.
I have truly felt more alive in the last month than I ever have.
So because of this, I cry out to you brothers and sisters that you may be filled with boldness!
Future racers: Finish well. We still have 51 days! Can you imagine how many lives you could see changed in 51 days?! Many of you are probably thinking of ways you can prepare yourself. I think going out, meeting people, hearing their stories, having compassion on them, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is a great way to prepare! As Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word: be ready in season and out of season.” Don’t wait until the race. People are searching for truth in your hometown.
Everyone else: You don’t have to go to Zambia in January to experience brokenness. It’s in your family, friend groups, at school, in your work place, and your neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. Many people need and want to talk! Seek it out. Give generously, love extravagantly. You will never lay down at night and say “man I wish I hadn’t shared the good news of Jesus Christ with that person today.” But you will say “man I wish I had shared the good news of Jesus Christ with that person today.” Be a good steward. As Paul tells Timothy ‘rightly handle the word of truth’.
Side note. Suffer with people, but don’t feel like you have to carry the weight of the burden. This is something I didn’t understand for a while. You can’t do this, it can paralyze you. We have to point them to Jesus. He is the one who is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9), He gives rest to the weary (Matthew 11:28-30), He saves (Romans 5:8-11, Romans 10:9-10). Take heart in this.
How awesome would this be: Racers write home to tell of incredible things God is doing, and home answers back with incredible things God is doing.
